Leora’s Letters by Joy Neal Kidney – Book Review

On April 6, 2024April 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Non-fiction, Personal Stories47 Comments

As I began reading Leora’s Letters, the story of The Wilson Family by Joy Neal Kidney, it didn’t take me long to feel moved by the love, faith, and perseverance in this remarkable family. The tale begins with Leora and Clabe who were farmers in Perry, Iowa during WWII, but their story unfolded when one by one, their five sons enlisted, wanting to serve their country. During this period, the family stayed in touch by old fashioned letter writing initiated by Leora, and I felt honored to read the letters that were evidence of their solid family connection. But the intense silence was palpable during the times when Leora and Clabe waited for their sons to reply. I can only imagine the emotional turmoil.

The letters also reminded me of my parents’ story that commenced during WWII. They were engaged in 1942, then my dad was sent overseas. Handwritten letters were the glue that kept them connected for three years before Dad was honorably discharged in 1945. They were married soon after he arrived home. Theirs was a love that was everlasting, and February 24, 2012 would have been their sixty-seventh anniversary, but mom passed away on February 2^nd. However, if not for the letters floating back and forth, their story may not have been written. So, there is something exceptional to be noted about old fashioned letter writing, but unfortunately, this intimate gesture has faded with conveniences of technology.

Leora’s Letters may be a personal diary of The Wilson’s, but it also serves as history, reminding us that those who sacrificed their lives in war should not be forgotten. I knew the premise before I started the book, but I wasn’t aware of the details. As I continued from one chapter to the next, I sensed a dreadful anticipation. As a parent, I can’t fathom how Leora and Clabe felt, not knowing the whereabouts or wellbeing of their sons. I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good. The heartache was overwhelming. Though the sorrow never subsided, I’m glad that I made it to the end.

Joy is the daughter of Doris Wilson Neal and the oldest granddaughter of Leora and Clabe’s. She is the keeper of her family’s history, so through intensive research, she beautifully crafted this book with the help of Robin Grunder. I commend Joy and Robin for such a well written and moving account. And I am still moved by Leora’s strength and courage to greet each new day for decades later despite the magnitude of loss she endured. I highly recommend this book because it profoundly touches on love, family, resilience, faith, loss, and the desire to move forward.

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I pulled this information from Joy’s blog, and I encourage you to visit her, allowing yourself to be swept up into the rich history that she shares.

Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II tells the story of the five Wilson brothers who are remembered on the Dallas County Freedom Rock® at Minburn, Iowa. Leora was their mother–Joy’s delightful grandmother.

Navymen Donald and Delbert Wilson. Pilots Dale, Danny, and Junior Wilson.

Joy the photobomber, so this was the day of the dedication, October 2019.

Joy has written many books on her family history, and they are available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook. Leora’s Dexter Stories and Leora’s Early Years are also in audio form, with “virtual voice.” I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

As always, thank you for stopping by,
and I hope you’ll click on the image above
to receive your copy of this most touching book.
And please visit Joy if you haven’t had the pleasure
of meeting her, yet. ❤️

A Litany of Limericks

On April 2, 2024April 2, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry112 Comments

Can you believe that I’ve never written a limerick? Well, I felt inspired and had fun with these attempts. Some are witty, but a few are more serious. So, I hope you enjoy, and if I made you laugh or others resonated, let me know in the comments below. And remember, these are attempts, so go easy on me! 😃❤️

Copper

There once was a dog named Copper
Who sported a nice set of choppers.
He’d wiggle for treats.
His favorite were meats.
He’d be the best eager shopper!

Clouds

The clouds hang gloomy and gray
Not making for a very fine day.
But joy lives in hearts.
Takes one thought to start
invoking a warm, glowing ray!

Doe

There once was a beautiful doe.
She didn’t know which way to go.
Her hills were so dry,
She wanted to cry,
Still, some say change isn’t so!

Mallards

Mallards relax on the water
Unaware of the human spotter.
They find their mate,
A temporary date,
Then succumb to the steadfast stalker!

African Gray

The African Gray talks up a storm.
His conversing is part of his norm.
He’ll say “Good morning!”
Flap his wings for soaring.
He mimics and loves to perform!

Sam and Pam

She lives in a web and her name is Sam.
She loves her twin sister whose name is Pam.
Their conduct is friendly.
They spin their silk gently.
But they keep to their own, so scram!

She’s Smart

She’s smart but lacks self-confidence.
She builds many walls and a fence.
Prefers to stay home,
Would rather not roam,
Her way of thinking doesn’t make sense.

Women

Women’s bodies are a topic.
Some thoughts are myopic.
It is their choice.
They have a voice.
Their value is not microscopic!

Diagnosis

The diagnosis came September.
Sad news I will remember.
I had to adjust.
Accepting, a must,
Though pain like a burning ember!

Young Lab

There once was a friendly, young lab
With energy delightfully fab.
He loved belly rubs.
Hated baths in the tub.
He gave big, toothy smiles, never sad!

Bloom

Flowers delight in vivid bloom
To adore through the month of June.
Their colors so brilliant,
Grown with resilience,
Brings sneezes and a feeling of doom!

Thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️🤗

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My latest collection of poetry.
If you don’t have your copy yet,
simply click on the image. Thank you! 💚

Resilience is Her Saving Grace

On March 29, 2024March 31, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Fiction Short Stories88 Comments

The tempest held its vigil on the horizon but continued to fool her. Devotion in his eyes mesmerized her whole being, awakened every pulse in her body. Eyes that spoke the language of love where their future glowed like an apricot dawn. She bestowed her heart permission to be swept into his pools of blue…

And yet, every day she anticipates the sting from his hand – the palm or back, makes no difference. The sting smarts like hell, but her heart secures the brunt of the damage. The slaps begin early each morning if she doesn’t move fast enough to appease his caffeine demands. And it’s ironic that he chose ‘chalet’ for his cell alarm because the calming tone contrasts to his horrific demeanor. After he walks through the front door following a day’s work, if she so much as smiles unknowingly to his disliking, his hand finds her cheek, and she feels the strike of skin even before impact. 5 p.m. on the mantel clock makes her heart pound as though trying to make a getaway.

They found their beautiful house together in a quiet neighborhood without sidewalks. Neighbors walk in the middle of the road, usually with leash in hand and their dogs beside them. Light traffic allows them to do this. Theirs is a ranch style with four bedrooms for their future children, he used to say. He told her that he couldn’t wait to be a father, which warmed her heart because becoming a mom in a year or two was her wish. A huge oak tree stands in the front yard covered in a lush lawn. Orange, yellow, and red marigolds decorate the walkway, and lavender hydrangeas and pink roses lean against the front of the house. But now the house that once was a home mirrors a prison. Cameras keep their eyes on her as he watches from his downtown office. Claustrophobia slithers down her spine. She struggles to quell the panic attacks. And her cell is meant only to reach him or to answer his calls. He tracks her like a wild animal. The ring on her finger stole all contact from the outside world – lost like a loved one’s passing. Grieving has no end, but she doesn’t dare misbehave because the pain is relentless.

She recalls the beautiful moments when his hands would send tingles from her neck down the map of her body. What did I do wrong? consumed her every thought when he transformed from loving husband to beast. Thoughts that became so tangled, she couldn’t ruminate until the truth stared her in the face. Her cheeks grew hot like asphalt in August from the realization that the monster had always existed.

Before the perfect couple whispered those two celebrated words on that breezy afternoon, signifying “You are my forever person,” he wore charm impeccably like a well-pressed dress shirt – his kisses intoxicating as jasmine, gentle like summer rain – respect enfolded in each embrace. Then donning satin and lace, the solitaire sparkled like her heart and soul, but true personas can take cover behind convincing eyes and smiles.

How could she have missed the signs? She ponders over and over.

Time – revelations, decisions, and strategies always take time. Her defense, submission, though she loathes appearing weak, and the agony tests her strength. But the path will wend its way, leading her to a door for a fresh start, caressing her bruised face and her body, his punching bag.

Gazing out the window, she watches courage whirl among the cottony clouds. Around the corner, freedom waits with intensity, as though motioning for her to come closer, excited for her new, safe beginning. She witnesses a glimpse of hope in the pink daisy pushing through the crack in the sidewalk.

But biding her time means life, and staying alive is her objective. She must bleed toughly. Resilience is her saving grace and not meant to be scattered on the floor, anymore. She must be smart to be free.

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A collection of poems that speaks of nature’s healing touch,
how love shapes our lives, and the mysteries of life.
Click on the image to purchase your copy. Thank you! 💚

Birthdays, Beaches, Blessings, and Beginnings

On March 26, 2024March 27, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Author interviews, Birthdays106 Comments

I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the days building up to my recent 59^th birthday (repeated a few times). 🙂 The quiet moments of contemplation were due to my health being challenged in the last year, but I’m not going to put you to sleep with pain-talk. You see, every new day is a precious gift, and birthdays are a chance to celebrate another year of life, so what better reason do we need?

There is no better reason, but I admit to feeling less than celebratory because of these changes my poor body has endured. These two health conditions are here to stay. I can’t bid them farewell, so I’m coming to terms with them, albeit a slow process. And even though things could be worse, it doesn’t negate what I’m experiencing – essentially, a new chapter in my book. Thus, my excitement to blow out the candles this go around felt contained instead of free. Are my feelings justified? Living with pain can be a downer. And I know that I’m at an age when health can change.

And yet, without a support circle to help keep my chin up, it would be much harder to focus on the good. And ‘the good’ is what keeps me moving forward! And moving forward is the best direction! I know there will be hiccups and hurdles but taking life ‘one day at a time’ never sounded so wise.

I chose to get an epidural which gave me the heebie-jeebies, but it finally kicked in, so I’m feeling better. Not 100%, but better enough to do some walking and smiling on my special day. The celebration spanned over four days of sipping Chardonnay, indulging in delicious food, and receiving wonderful gifts. I reveled in the joy of blowing out the candles on the carrot cake (my favorite)! Part of the fun was when my hubby, son, and I strolled around a local, charming beach town. My daughter and son-in-law celebrated from Tennessee! She and I recently had one of our iconic phone chats where even we broke our own record – we talked for 5 hours! It was awesome!
Anyway, back to the beach, I was grateful for this pain-free day.
It felt good to ‘feel good.’ 🙏

*It was lovely to see a touch of spring.*

We enjoyed a sinfully delicious dinner that night, and afterwards, we took a drive that lead us to a beautiful spot for taking in the lights and the stunning moon. My hubby gets credit for the last shot.

I hope you enjoyed the photos! ❤️

And now a slight detour, if you missed my previous post about my interview on Spillwords Press, and you’d like to check it out, the link is: https://spillwords.com/spotlight-on-writers-lauren-scott/. It was an honor to be chosen to participate in their series: Spotlight on Writers. Feel free to give it a ❤️ or to leave a comment. I’d be grateful if you would! 🤗🙏

So, Cheers to celebrating life, one day at a time, and to relishing in the blessings and beautiful beginnings that birthdays offer! 🎉🙏

Thanks SO much for stopping by, and I truly wish you all good health.
~Lauren 💝

Spillwords Interview for ‘Spotlight on Writers’ is Live!

On March 23, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Interviews, Poetry70 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to be featured on Spillwords Press as part of their ‘Spotlight on Writers’ Series and my interview is live right now! Thanks so much to Dagmara and her team for offering this amazing opportunity. It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized and to have a platform such as Spillwords to showcase my poetry. I am truly honored and grateful! And now for a peek at the interview beginning with Question #1:

Where do you hail from?

I was born in Palo Alto located in Northern California. But since my parents shared an excitement for moving, when I was two years old, we relocated to Cypress in the southern part of the state. The neighborhood where I began kindergarten evokes memories of playing with tadpoles and a frog the size of a football that I named Sam. When I was eight years old, we moved to Anaheim with Disneyland in our backyard. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the rest of his cohorts became friends. I met a girl who lived around the block, and our friendship remains to this day. She and I spent most of our time in the magic kingdom when ticket books existed, and e-ticket rides were the best! Three years later, my parents packed up the house again, but this time, traveled across state lines to New Mexico. We lived in a beautiful brick house where wintertime brought snow for our brown and white springer spaniel to romp around in. But after four years, back to Southern California we headed. Moving frequently in my childhood was difficult – changing schools, leaving old friends, and making new friends. But my parents had their reasons, so I didn’t harbor any resentment toward them. Fullerton became my high school home, and the last one before I moved out on my own. Who knew that in the future, I’d find my way back to the northern part of the state with my husband and children.

If your interest is piqued and you’d like to read the full interview, click here and you will gently be carried over to Spillwords. Or you can simply click on the Spillwords image below.

And if you would be so kind to give me a friendly ❤️ while you’re over there, you won’t need an account.
But if you’d like to leave a comment, you will need to log in, and of course,
I’d love to read your thoughts!
Either way, if you cheer me on, I’ll greatly appreciate it! 🙏

*Voted Author of the Month for May 2023*

Thank you so much for stopping by,
and please know that I appreciate you! 🙏🩷

April showers arrive in March!

On March 22, 2024March 22, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry93 Comments

We’ve had a lot of rain this winter, but then it felt like spring had arrived last week with several sunny and warmer days. It was wonderful! But now showers are due to return this afternoon through tomorrow, and then again, later next week. Well, it does no good to argue with Mother Nature, so we’ll roll with the rain!
But I was in the mood for spring, so I’m bringing it on!

One of my poems from my book, Ever So Gently, makes me wish we were back at the lake (hence, my blog header), keeping company with nature and enjoying those magnificent sunrises and sunsets…

The Sun Knows

Evening advances.
The shore wears nothing
but a few rocks
scattered on its sand.
In their quiet space,
a father and son hold fishing lines
hoping their luck will lift.
A lone sailboat glides by
pausing for the unfolding.
With hair the color of an egret,
an older man leans against a stump.

Clouds understand why we wait.
A fine yellow highlighter
has delicately outlined
their smooth edges.
Occasionally, trout jump
out of the still water,
only a few ripples
show their excitement.

Then suddenly the sky explodes
in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows –
brighter with every second.
It’s as though a painter swished
her brush back and forth
on the immense backdrop,
to the left, to the right,
repeating with the grace
of an orchestra leader.
Can the sun slipping behind
downy clouds
be more spectacular?

Happy Friday! Happy Spring! And if rain is heading your way,
revel in its melody and do some dancing! ❤️ 🎶

We Are Poetry by Kym Gordon Moore

On March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry93 Comments

Today, I am excited to tell you about We Are Poetry written by my dear friend, Kym Gordon Moore. Whenever I visit Kym’s blog, From behind the Pen, I’m either informed or inspired. I always leave with an important topic to ponder or a reminder to simply feel grateful. Her book is more than a collection of poems, which of course, would be a gift in its own right. As the title indicates, Kym’s book is filled with layers of insight about this genre as though it exists like you and me. Any school would benefit from including We Are Poetry in its curriculum. In fact, if I had pursued my youthful dream of becoming a teacher ‘when I grew up,’ her beautiful and insightful book would have been a useful tool in my classroom. Through Kym’s observations, she offers a glimpse into the beauty, benefits, and diversity of verse, fluidly dividing the book into her lessons.

In the beginning, I was captivated by her responses to how others feel that poetry is disenchanting and boring. If you share the same opinion, after turning the last page, I would be surprised to learn that you did not change your way of thinking. I felt empowered at the end of each chapter, and definitely after absorbing her powerful poem, “I Am.”
Below are the first few lines that will surely entice you:

They say I am nothing
in my someone-ness
traverse into a flow
of the seen but not heard
nonexistent, divisible where liberty is not just
not considered worthy to speak
or to be respected
just an invisible occupation of space
you think that of me
yet my existence is more
than the archives of silence
I am.

The desire to spread a soft blanket “Under the Poet Tree” swept over me:

Where leaves rustle at the sound of verses and stanzas
wind blowing through branches of poetic expressions
growing from a trunk that holds a history of adventure
a journey rooted deep in the soil of passion and purpose

artistic thoughts born from the birth canal of the poet
whether touched or sniffed, tasted or heard
the sight of what thine eyes can envision
a uniqueness speaking from blood running through the heart

should the soul wander in the essence of written words
as the fruit of poetry replants the seeds that grow
flourishing into an orchard of endless poet trees
hunger satisfied from the picnic basket of a bard

inspiration blossoms like new spring buds
creativity unfurling through the pores of my mind
life takes on new meaning of literary excellence
under the poet tree shrouded by a poet’s design

Kym speaks about the architecture of poetry, its healing voice, how it fights against illiteracy. She invites you into her memories of the simple times where you’ll find yourself tucked into your cozy car, munching on popcorn, enjoying a great film. She pulls you into the delight of paper kites and county fair fun. She has you weeping alongside Mother Earth, and when life doesn’t go as you plan, she implores you to not cry over spilled milk; instead, pour another glass!
There is an emotion for everyone in this lovely book waiting to be drawn out.
Highly recommended for all readers!

I hope you’ll leave my site today with a copy of Kym’s book on order. You will be glad that you did!
Thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️

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Ever So Gently receives more love from Michelle Ayon Navajas!

On March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry88 Comments

Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott

Hi All,

For those of you who have asked, I’m feeling better since that post a couple of weeks ago. But I’m still working through two health conditions that began last year – a double whammy. Changes are constant, but when those changes are permanent and challenging, it takes time to figure out how to live them. As with anything, time will tell and help me decide what do to next. But I’m thankful to feel a little better with no brain fog. Anyway, enough of that, and now on with my exciting news!

I was surprised to find this beautiful review of my book from Michelle Ayon Navajas on this Monday morning. And I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my week. Her wonderful words truly touched me, so, I had to share her full review:

“The sky is the limit” they say, but I think not even the sky has the power to limit the endless possibilities of how our minds work.

I was struggling with Reena’s prompt this week. Not for anything else but simply because I wanted it to be a motivational piece, and maybe I suck at writing motivational pieces so I had to put this prompt aside and went to write my long overdue review of Lauren Scott’s book “Ever So Gently”.

I was down with the last pages of the book, when an epiphany happened. This book is about the quote prompt of Reena; “I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities.” – Mario Testino

“Ever So Gently” is a collection of soul-soothing journey pieces of poetry packed up with calming scenes of early morning communion with nature. It is with our interaction with nature that we discover the endless possibilities about life and living it to the fullest. “The sky is the limit” they say, but I think even the sky would be jealous at how beautiful Lauren wrote her collection.

‘In Good Company’ begins:
“We stroll among redwood trees,
our steps slow down, we are in good company.”

I could almost feel the magical power in my hands through Lauren’s lyrical prose, and we know that when one believes in magic (magic happens).

“Clouds understand why we wait.” This is one of my adored lines from the book. Clouds may have a “not so good reputation” for bringing in heavy rains or for signaling the coming of a storm (could be both literal and metaphorical), but in her book, Lauren had me stopped and pondered. Clouds, after all aren’t that bad. It can be a sign of something good or better. It can be a friend who gives us a signal or warning that a rain is coming, we must be ready. So, clouds do give us the chance to prepare and be ready for the challenges we may encounter as the rain pours.

‘First Breath’, is my favorite. It is about a mother’s love, the reason being my favorite is obvious. I am mother and anything that speaks highly of a mother’s love is grately admired by me.

“With every new miracle of life
answers aren’t scripted in the stars,
but I knew since your very
first breath
my life would become yours.”

Every child is a blessing and Lauren said it so beautifully in this poem. It also brought me to tears and reminded me of my own journey as a mother to four beautiful daughters.

Lauren’s book is not only about creating and opening doors of possibilities but also of celebrating wonderful memories.

Her communion with nature brings forth wisdom of mother earth that unfolds through her stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”

This book will surely uplift your spirit, and make you fall in love with love, create more memories with your loved ones, and appreciate nature even more. If you are not the type who loves to taka quiet walk in the morning or early in the evening, this book will make you wanna grab your walking or running and go for a short easy- breezy walk. As for me who used to run in around my neighborhood, it made me miss those moments. I said “used to” because I no longer do it as often as I do it before pandemic.

Here are some of Lauren’s memorable imagery:

“The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…”

“And water hasnt caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”

“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”

Lauren wrote in various poetic styles and forms from free versse to syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma – this collection will not bore you. She made these forms looked so easy to write.

Lauren emphasizes how mysterious life is. She also made me ponder deeper into the essence of my own existence while reflecting upon my journey in life, and that at the end of it all no matter how difficult life is, we must not forget to love and live life ever so gently.

This book is best read with a hot chocolate or a coffee as you curl up and savor each poem.

Visit Lauren’s blog to read more of her brilliant poetry:

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Thanks again, Michelle! Outside, darkness still befalls the neighborhood, but you have brought an early sunrise. 🥰